Tony Mercer had been a practising physiotherapist in Melbourne since 1986 and returned to his home town of Cobram in 1990 to begin his own practice.
The Mercer family left Cobram when dad John was offered a senior position at Murray Goulburn’s head office in Melbourne.
Tony attended primary school with his six siblings at St Paul’s in Bentleigh followed by Salesian College Chadstone.
Young Tony wasn’t certain what his career path would be.
However, he thought at one stage he would like to study geology. His mum, Margaret, firmly believed he should study to become a doctor. ‘He is ‘a smart kid’’, was always her response.
Margaret Mercer née O’Dwyer was the first lay teacher at St Joseph’s Catholic School.
However, after finishing school, Tony went to work with the SEC as an electrical technician for the following three years, during which time he met his future wife, Sharon Davey.
Tony had the opportunity to meet club physiotherapist Dr Barry Oakes while playing football at Sandringham FC.
After it turned out the pair got along well, Dr Oakes suggested Tony study physiotherapy.
Consequently, he spoke to Pat Cosh, dean of The Lincoln Institute of Health Sciences, (the first head appointed in 1960 at the institute and a recognised pioneer of physiotherapy).
Much to Tony’s surprise, after speaking with Ms Cosh, he was selected for the next intake to study physio.
The year was 1982. At that time, Tony worked part-time at a fly screen factory where he learnt to make things with his hands when not at the Lincoln Institute, which was attached to Melbourne University.
On November 7, 1985, he completed his last exam and the very next day was employed at Hawthorn Orthopaedic and Sports Physio Clinic.
He worked there until 1989, during which time he also did a stint at the TAC at Springvale in their rehabilitation centre.
Late in 1989, he headed overseas on a whirlwind tour before returning home in time for the AFL grand final when his team, Hawthorn, took out the prized trophy.
With bank interest rates at an all-time high, property in Melbourne was expensive for the newly qualified professional, and Tony looked for an opportunity to open his own business.
With many relatives still in Cobram, the northern Victoria town was the place with which he felt most comfortable and had the most potential.
In November 1990, Tony and Sharon married at Ripponlea, one of Melbourne’s premier heritage estates, dating back to 1868.
Set in magnificent gardens, it is a hugely popular wedding venue.
Before their wedding day, Tony and Sharon found a spot, opposite the Cobram Courier office in Station St, to set up shop and begin their practice.
The business grew rapidly. Travis Luff joined two years later, while physio Gail Renoldson of Berrigan travelled to Cobram to work part-time.
Sharon held the role of office/practice manager and thus began a number of young newly qualified physiotherapists who joined the practice under the guidance of principle Tony Mercer.
They appreciated his experience and knowledge, and his rare willingness to mentor them in the early days of their new profession.
Many were known to Tony, including Marion Steel and Ian Bush, who achieved his physio degree and later went on to become a doctor with a clinic in Box Hill.
Andy O’Connor came from Dookie for 12 months, and when he left, Travis Luff returned and ended up working with Tony for a period of five years.
From 1991-93, Tony was one of four physiotherapists who opened a practice at Mt Hotham Medical Centre, where they worked for two weeks each season, after 4pm.
Skiers would come in after a day on the mountain with a range of injuries and sore or twisted muscles.
Unfortunately, there was little time for ‘Après Ski’ for the Mercers, for when their day ended at the clinic, most skiers had already gone to bed.
By 2017, the Mercers recognised they had outgrown their existing premises.
They purchased Millers Mowers at 12 Terminus St, Cobram, where they expanded the footprint and transformed the building into a modern professional suite of rooms suitable for a range of treatments and activities.
Finding that pilates, strength and balance classes were increasingly in demand by three age groups, youth, young and active adults, and the older population within the community, the Mercers discovered a need for greater space.
Pilates is good for your body and overall wellbeing, helping to maintain mobility as you age as well as building muscles to prevent older people from falling.
Cobram Physio is not only able to assist should you suffer an injury, are recovering from surgery or have a chronic condition.
The team can also help to prevent many conditions through a range of specialised exercises to suit the individual patient.
It just takes a seasoned professional’s opinion at the consultation.
In more recent times, Tyron Tarpey, a young South African-born physiotherapist who joined the practice in 2021, purchased the business from Tony and Sharon.
Over an amazing 35 years, Tony and Sharon have provided an outstanding physiotherapy service to not only Cobram but around the entire region.
Joining Tyron is talented Cobram footballer, Daniel Clark, who, despite entering the profession as a mature age student, is kicking goals in Cobram and at GV Health in Shepparton as a talented physiotherapist.
The Mercer name is highly regarded among health service providers, and Tony has become the ‘go to’ physio for his dedication to the profession, helping each client enjoy a better and healthier life.
He continued to gain further qualifications over the years to ensure he remained at the forefront of the latest treatments and methods of diagnosis to have clients up and moving again in no time.
Now it is time for Tony and Sharon to take some time for themselves with their family, daughter Alisha and son Declan.
Meanwhile, numerous travel destinations are also beckoning.
When asked how he viewed his successful career as a physio helping local people, Tony responded with a smile
“I have enjoyed every moment, talking to people and looking at how we can help them get back to being fit and active,” he said.
“You can talk to people and listen to them, but you must hear what they’re saying.”
Definitely words of wisdom from a dedicated health professional who has called it a day at the age of 66, yet is ready for his next adventure.